Climate control system for an indoor garden center

ABSTRACT

An indoor gardening appliance includes a grow module rotatably mounted within a liner to at least partially define a first grow chamber and a second grow chamber. A climate control system includes an evaporator plenum housing an evaporator, a fan assembly for urging air through the evaporator plenum, recirculation ducts for independently circulating air through the first grow chamber and the second grow chamber, and ambient duct systems for independently circulating fresh ambient air through the first grow chamber and the second grow chamber. A system of dampers selectively opens or closes each respective recirculation duct and ambient duct system for independent climate control of the first grow chamber and the second grow chamber.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to systems for gardeningplants indoors, and more particularly, to a system and method forindependently regulating the climate within multiple grow chambers of anindoor gardening appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional indoor garden centers include a cabinet defining a growchamber having a number of trays or racks positioned therein to supportseedlings or plant material, e.g., for growing herbs, vegetables, orother plants in an indoor environment. In addition, such indoor gardencenters may include an environmental control system that maintains thegrowing chamber at a desired temperature or humidity. Certain indoorgarden centers may also include hydration systems for watering theplants and/or artificial lighting systems that provide the lightnecessary for such plants to grow.

Conventional climate control systems may regulate the temperature and/orhumidity within a grow chamber of an indoor garden appliance. Notably,as plants grow within the grow chamber of conventional indoor gardencenters, they may give off, absorb, or otherwise affect theconcentration or amount of particular gases within the grow chamber. Ifleft uncontrolled, these variations in gas concentrations can result inundesirable growth conditions for the plants. Accordingly, conventionalindoor gardening appliances may include features that facilitate theintroduction of fresh air. However, conventional climate control systemsprovide little versatility for adapting the grow chamber for growingdifferent plants, maintaining different environments, etc.

Accordingly, an improved indoor garden center would be useful. Moreparticularly, an indoor garden center with a climate control system thatfacilitates versatile and efficient regulation of multiple grow chambersof an indoor gardening appliance would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be apparent from the description, or maybe learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a gardening appliance is provided includinga liner positioned within a cabinet, a grow module rotatably mountedwithin the liner, the grow module at least partially defining a firstgrow chamber and a second grow chamber, and a climate control system.The climate control system includes an evaporator plenum housing anevaporator, a fan assembly operably coupled to the evaporator plenum forurging a flow of air through the evaporator plenum, a firstrecirculation duct system fluidly coupling the evaporator plenum and thefirst grow chamber, a second recirculation duct system fluidly couplingthe evaporator plenum and the second grow chamber, a first ambient ductsystem fluidly coupling the first grow chamber to an ambientenvironment, a second ambient duct system fluidly coupling the secondgrow chamber to the ambient environment, a first damper system operablycoupled to the first recirculation duct system and the first ambientduct system, the first damper system being movable between arecirculation position where the first ambient duct system is in aclosed position and a refresh position where the first recirculationduct system is in a closed position, and a second damper system operablycoupled to the second recirculation duct system and the second ambientduct system, the second damper system being movable between arecirculation position where the second ambient duct system is in aclosed position and a refresh position where the second recirculationduct system is in a closed position.

In another exemplary embodiment, a climate control system for agardening appliance is provided. The gardening appliance includes aliner positioned within a cabinet and a grow module rotatably mountedwithin the liner, the grow module at least partially defining a firstgrow chamber and a second grow chamber. The climate control systemincludes an evaporator plenum housing an evaporator, a fan assemblyoperably coupled to the evaporator plenum for urging a flow of airthrough the evaporator plenum, a first recirculation duct system fluidlycoupling the evaporator plenum and the first grow chamber, a secondrecirculation duct system fluidly coupling the evaporator plenum and thesecond grow chamber, a first ambient duct system fluidly coupling thefirst grow chamber to an ambient environment, a second ambient ductsystem fluidly coupling the second grow chamber to the ambientenvironment, a first damper system operably coupled to the firstrecirculation duct system and the first ambient duct system, the firstdamper system being movable between a recirculation position where thefirst ambient duct system is in a closed position and a refresh positionwhere the first recirculation duct system is in a closed position, and asecond damper system operably coupled to the second recirculation ductsystem and the second ambient duct system, the second damper systembeing movable between a recirculation position where the second ambientduct system is in a closed position and a refresh position where thesecond recirculation duct system is in a closed position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a gardening appliance according toan exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the exemplary gardening appliance of FIG.1 with the doors open according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the exemplary gardening appliance ofFIG. 1 , taken along Line 3-3 from FIG. 2 with an internal dividerremoved for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the exemplary gardening appliance ofFIG. 1 , with the top panel of the cabinet removed to reveal a rotatablegrow module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective cross sectional view of the exemplarygardening appliance of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the grow module of the exemplarygardening appliance of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective cross sectional view of the exemplary growmodule of FIG. 6 according to another exemplary embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 8 provides a top cross-sectional view of the exemplary grow moduleof FIG. 6 according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 9 provides a front perspective view of a climate control systemthat may be used with the exemplary gardening appliance of FIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 10 provides a top view of the exemplary climate control system ofFIG. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter.

FIG. 11 provides a top view of the exemplary climate control system ofFIG. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter with an evaporator plenum cover removed.

FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of the exemplary climate controlsystem of FIG. 9 with various components of the gardening applianceremoved for clarity according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 13 provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary climatecontrol system of FIG. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 14 provides a close-up perspective view of a damper assembly of theexemplary climate control system of FIG. 9 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 15 provides a schematic view of the exemplary climate controlsystem of FIG. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 16 provides a schematic view of the exemplary climate controlsystem of FIG. 9 according to another exemplary embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,”“substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent (10%)margin of error of the stated value. Moreover, as used herein, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably todistinguish one component from another and are not intended to signifylocation or importance of the individual components. The terms“upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative direction with respectto fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to thedirection from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to thedirection to which the fluid flows.

FIG. 1 provides a front view of a gardening appliance 100 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. According toexemplary embodiments, gardening appliance 100 may be used as an indoorgarden center for growing plants. It should be appreciated that theembodiments described herein are intended only for explaining aspects ofthe present subject matter. Variations and modifications may be made togardening appliance 100 while remaining within the scope of the presentsubject matter.

Gardening appliance 100 includes a housing or cabinet 102 that extendsbetween a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, betweena first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, andbetween a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transversedirection T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, andtransverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another andform an orthogonal direction system.

Gardening appliance 100 may include an insulated liner 120 positionedwithin cabinet 102. Liner 120 may at least partially define atemperature controlled, referred to herein generally as a grow chamber122, within which plants 124 may be grown. Although gardening appliance100 is referred to herein as growing plants 124, it should beappreciated that other organisms or living things may be grown or storedin gardening appliance 100. For example, algae, fungi (e.g., includingmushrooms), or other living organisms may be grown or stored ingardening appliance 100. The specific application described herein isnot intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.

Cabinet 102, or more specifically, liner 120 may define a substantiallyenclosed back region or portion 130. In addition, cabinet 102 and liner120 may define a front opening, referred to herein as front displayopening 132, through which a user of gardening appliance 100 may accessgrow chamber 122, e.g., for harvesting, planting, pruning, or otherwiseinteracting with plants 124. According to an exemplary embodiment,enclosed back portion 130 may be defined as a portion of liner 120 thatdefines grow chamber 122 proximate rear side 114 of cabinet 102. Inaddition, front display opening 132 may generally be positionedproximate or coincide with front side 112 of cabinet 102.

Gardening appliance 100 may further include one or more doors 134 thatare rotatably mounted to cabinet 102 for providing selective access togrow chamber 122. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates doors 134 in theclosed position such that they may help insulate grow chamber 122. Bycontrast, FIG. 2 illustrates doors 134 in the open positioned foraccessing grow chamber 122 and plants 124 stored therein. Doors 134 mayfurther include a transparent window 136 through which a user mayobserve plants 124 without opening doors 134.

Although doors 134 are illustrated as being rectangular and beingmounted on front side 112 of cabinet 102 in FIGS. 1 and 2 , it should beappreciated that according to alternative embodiments, doors 134 mayhave different shapes, mounting locations, etc. For example, doors 134may be curved, may be formed entirely from glass, etc. In addition,doors 134 may have integral features for controlling light passing intoand/or out of grow chamber 122, such as internal louvers, tinting, UVtreatments, polarization, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciatethat other chamber and door configurations are possible and within thescope of the present invention.

According to the illustrated embodiment, cabinet 102 further defines adrawer 138 positioned proximate bottom 106 of cabinet 102 and beingslidably mounted to cabinet for providing convenient storage for plantnutrients, system accessories, water filters, etc. In addition, behinddrawer 138 is a mechanical compartment 140 for receipt of anenvironmental control system including a sealed system for regulatingthe temperature within grow chamber 122, as described in more detailbelow.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of anenvironmental control system 148 that may be used to regulate atemperature within grow chamber 122. Specifically, environmental controlsystem 148 may include a sealed system 150, a duct system 160, and ahydration system 270, or any other suitable components or subsystems forregulating an environment within grow chamber 122, e.g., forfacilitating improved or regulated growth of plants 124 positionedtherein. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates sealed system 150 withinmechanical compartment 140. Although an exemplary sealed system isillustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated thatvariations and modifications may be made to sealed system 150 whileremaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example,sealed system 150 may include additional or alternative components,different ducting configurations, etc.

As shown, sealed system 150 includes a compressor 152, a first heatexchanger or evaporator 154 and a second heat exchanger or condenser156. As is generally understood, compressor 152 is generally operable tocirculate or urge a flow of refrigerant through sealed system 150, whichmay include various conduits which may be utilized to flow refrigerantbetween the various components of sealed system 150. Thus, evaporator154 and condenser 156 may be between and in fluid communication witheach other and compressor 152.

During operation of sealed system 150, refrigerant flows from evaporator154 and to compressor 152, and compressor 152 is generally configured todirect compressed refrigerant from compressor 152 to condenser 156. Forexample, refrigerant may exit evaporator 154 as a fluid in the form of asuperheated vapor. Upon exiting evaporator 154, the refrigerant mayenter compressor 152, which is operable to compress the refrigerant.Accordingly, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant may beincreased in compressor 152 such that the refrigerant becomes a moresuperheated vapor.

Condenser 156 is disposed downstream of compressor 152 and is operableto reject heat from the refrigerant. For example, the superheated vaporfrom compressor 152 may enter condenser 156 and transfer energy to airsurrounding condenser 156 (e.g., to create a flow of heated air). Inthis manner, the refrigerant condenses into a saturated liquid and/orliquid vapor mixture. A condenser fan (not shown) may be positionedadjacent condenser 156 and may facilitate or urge the flow of heated airacross the coils of condenser 156 (e.g., from ambient atmosphere) inorder to facilitate heat transfer.

According to the illustrated embodiment, an expansion device or avariable electronic expansion valve 158 may be further provided toregulate refrigerant expansion. During use, variable electronicexpansion valve 158 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering thepressure and temperature thereof. In this regard, refrigerant may exitcondenser 156 in the form of high liquid quality/saturated liquid vapormixture and travel through variable electronic expansion valve 158before flowing through evaporator 154. Variable electronic expansionvalve 158 is generally configured to be adjustable, e.g., such that theflow of refrigerant (e.g., volumetric flow rate in milliliters persecond) through variable electronic expansion valve 158 may beselectively varied or adjusted.

Evaporator 154 is disposed downstream of variable electronic expansionvalve 158 and is operable to heat refrigerant within evaporator 154,e.g., by absorbing thermal energy from air surrounding the evaporator(e.g., to create a flow of cooled air). For example, the liquid orliquid vapor mixture refrigerant from variable electronic expansionvalve 158 may enter evaporator 154. Within evaporator 154, therefrigerant from variable electronic expansion valve 158 receives energyfrom the flow of cooled air and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/orhigh quality vapor mixture. An air handler or evaporator fan (not shown)is positioned adjacent evaporator 154 and may facilitate or urge theflow of cooled air across evaporator 154 in order to facilitate heattransfer. From evaporator 154, refrigerant may return to compressor 152and the vapor-compression cycle may continue.

As explained above, environmental control system 148 includes a sealedsystem 150 for providing a flow of heated air or a flow cooled airthroughout grow chamber 122 as needed. To direct this air, environmentalcontrol system 148 includes a duct system 160 for directing the flow oftemperature regulated air, identified herein simply as flow of air 162(see, e.g., FIG. 3 ). In this regard, for example, an evaporator fan cangenerate a flow of cooled air as the air passes over evaporator 154 anda condenser fan can generate a flow of heated air as the air passes overcondenser 156.

These flows of air 162 are routed through a cooled air supply ductand/or a heated air supply duct (not shown), respectively. In thisregard, it should be appreciated that environmental control system 148may generally include a plurality of ducts, dampers, diverterassemblies, and/or air handlers to facilitate operation in a coolingmode, in a heating mode, in both a heating and cooling mode, or anyother mode suitable for regulating the environment within grow chamber122. It should be appreciated that duct system 160 may vary incomplexity and may regulate the flows of air from sealed system 150 inany suitable arrangement through any suitable portion of grow chamber122.

Gardening appliance 100 may include a control panel 170. Control panel170 includes one or more input selectors 172, such as e.g., knobs,buttons, push buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc. In addition, inputselectors 172 may be used to specify or set various settings ofgardening appliance 100, such as e.g., settings associated withoperation of sealed system 150. Input selectors 172 may be incommunication with a processing device or controller 174. Controlsignals generated in or by controller 174 operate gardening appliance100 in response to input selectors 172. Additionally, control panel 170may include a display 176, such as an indicator light or a screen.Display 176 is communicatively coupled with controller 174 and maydisplay information in response to signals from controller 174. Further,as will be described herein, controller 174 may be communicativelycoupled with other components of gardening appliance 100, such as e.g.,one or more sensors, motors, or other components.

As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one ormore microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restrictednecessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmedto operate gardening appliance 100. The processing device may include,or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitorystorage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements includeelectrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM).Generally, the memory elements can store information accessibleprocessing device, including instructions that can be executed byprocessing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or anyset of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processingdevice, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 1 through 8 , gardening appliance 100generally includes a rotatable carousel, referred to herein as a growmodule 200 that is mounted within liner 120, e.g., such that it iswithin grow chamber 122. As illustrated, grow module 200 includes acentral hub 202 that extends along and is rotatable about a central axis204. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, central axis204 is parallel to the vertical direction V. However, it should beappreciated that central axis 204 could alternatively extend in anysuitable direction, e.g., such as the horizontal direction. In thisregard, grow module 200 generally defines an axial direction, i.e.,parallel to central axis 204, a radial direction R that extendsperpendicular to central axis 204, and a circumferential direction Cthat extends around central axis 204 (e.g. in a plane perpendicular tocentral axis 204).

Grow module 200 may further include a plurality of partitions 206 thatextend from central hub 202 substantially along the radial direction R.In this manner, grow module 200 defines a plurality of chambers,referred to herein generally by reference numeral 210, by dividing orpartitioning grow chamber 122. Referring specifically to a firstembodiment of grow module 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8 , growmodule 200 includes three partitions 206 to define a first chamber 212,a second chamber 214, and a third chamber 216, which arecircumferentially spaced relative to each other. In general, as growmodule 200 is rotated within grow chamber 122, the plurality of chambers210 define substantially separate and distinct growing environments,e.g., for growing plants 124 having different growth needs.

More specifically, partitions 206 may extend from central hub 202 to alocation immediately adjacent liner 120. Although partitions 206 aredescribed as extending along the radial direction, it should beappreciated that they need not be entirely radially extending. Forexample, according to the illustrated embodiment, the distal ends ofeach partition is joined with an adjacent partition using an arcuatewall 218, which is generally used to support plants 124.

Notably, it is desirable according to exemplary embodiments to form asubstantial seal between partitions 206 and liner 120. Therefore,according to an exemplary embodiment, grow module 200 may define a growmodule diameter 220 (e.g., defined by its substantially circularfootprint formed in a horizontal plane). Similarly, enclosed backportion 130 of liner 120 may be substantially cylindrical and may definea liner diameter 222. In order to prevent a significant amount of airfrom escaping between partitions 206 and liner 120, liner diameter 222may be substantially equal to or slightly larger than grow modulediameter 220.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3 , gardening appliance 100 mayfurther include a motor 230 or another suitable driving element ordevice for selectively rotating grow module 200 during operation ofgardening appliance 100. In this regard, according to the illustratedembodiment, motor 230 is positioned below grow module 200, e.g., withinmechanical compartment 140, and is operably coupled to grow module 200along central axis 204 for rotating grow module 200.

As used herein, “motor” may refer to any suitable drive motor and/ortransmission assembly for rotating grow module 200. For example, motor230 may be a brushless DC electric motor, a stepper motor, or any othersuitable type or configuration of motor. For example, motor 230 may bean AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor,or any other suitable type of AC motor. In addition, motor 230 mayinclude any suitable transmission assemblies, clutch mechanisms, orother components.

According to an exemplary embodiment, motor 230 may be operably coupledto controller 174, which is programmed to rotate grow module 200according to predetermined operating cycles, based on user inputs (e.g.via touch buttons 172), etc. In addition, controller 174 may becommunicatively coupled to one or more sensors, such as temperature orhumidity sensors, positioned within the various chambers 210 formeasuring temperatures and/or humidity, respectively. Controller 174 maythen operate motor 230 in order to maintain desired environmentalconditions for each of the respective chambers 210. For example, as willbe described in more detail below, gardening appliance 100 includesfeatures for providing certain locations of gardening appliance 100 withlight, temperature control, proper moisture, nutrients, and otherrequirements for suitable plant growth. Motor 230 may be used toposition specific chambers 210 where needed to receive such growthrequirements.

According to an exemplary embodiment, such as where three partitions 206form three chambers 212-216, controller 174 may operate motor 230 toindex grow module 200 sequentially through a number of preselectedpositions. More specifically, motor 230 may rotate grow module 200 in acounterclockwise direction (e.g. when viewed from a top of grow module200) in 120° increments to move chambers 210 between sealed positionsand display positions. As used herein, a chamber 210 is considered to bein a “sealed position” when that chamber 210 is substantially sealedbetween grow module 200 (i.e., central hub 202 and adjacent partitions206) and liner 120. By contrast, a chamber 210 is considered to be in a“display position” when that chamber 210 is at least partially exposedto front display opening 132, such that a user may access plants 124positioned within that chamber 210.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 , first chamber 212 andsecond chamber 214 are both in a sealed position, whereas third chamber216 is in a display position. As motor 230 rotates grow module 200 by120 degrees in the counterclockwise direction, second chamber 214 willenter the display position, while first chamber 212 and third chamber216 will be in the sealed positions. Motor 230 may continue to rotategrow module 200 in such increments to cycle grow chambers 210 betweenthese sealed and display positions.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 4 through 8 , grow module 200 will bedescribed in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent subject matter. As shown, grow module 200 defines a plurality ofapertures 240 which are generally configured for receiving plant pods242 into an internal root chamber 244. Plant pods 242 generally containseedlings or other material for growing plants positioned within a meshor other support structure through which roots of plants 124 may growwithin grow module 200. A user may insert a portion of plant pod 242(e.g., a seed end or root end 246) having the desired seeds through oneof the plurality of apertures 240 into root chamber 244. A plant end 248of the plant pod 242 may remain within grow chamber 210 such that plants124 may grow from grow module 200 such that they are accessible by auser. In this regard, grow module 200 defines root chamber 244, e.g.,within at least one of central hub 202 and the plurality of partitions206. As will be explained below, water and other nutrients may besupplied to the root end 246 of plant pods 242 within root chamber 244.Notably, apertures 240 may be covered by a flat flapper seal (not shown)to prevent water from escaping root chamber 244 when no plant pod 242 isinstalled.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , grow module 200 may further include aninternal divider 250 that is positioned within root chamber 244 todivide root chamber 244 into a plurality of root chambers, each of theplurality of root chambers being in fluid communication with one of theplurality of grow chambers 210 through the plurality of apertures 240.More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, internaldivider 250 may divide root chamber 244 into a first root chamber 252, asecond root chamber 254, and a third root chamber 256. According to anexemplary embodiment, first root chamber 252 may provide water andnutrients to plants 124 positioned in the first grow chamber 212, secondroot chamber 254 may provide water and nutrients to plants 124positioned in the second grow chamber 214, and third root chamber 256may provide water and nutrients to plants 124 positioned in the thirdgrow chamber 216. In this manner, environmental control system 148 maycontrol the temperature and/or humidity of each of the plurality ofchambers 212-216 and the plurality of root chambers 252-256independently of each other.

Environmental control system 148 may further include a hydration system270 which is generally configured for providing water to plants 124 tosupport their growth. Specifically, according to the illustratedembodiment, hydration system 270 generally includes a water supply 272and misting device 274 (e.g., such as a fine mist spray nozzle ornozzles). For example, water supply 272 may be a reservoir containingwater (e.g., distilled water) or may be a direct connection municipalwater supply. According to exemplary embodiments, hydration system 270may include one or more pumps 276 (see FIG. 15 ) for providing a flow ofliquid nutrients to misting device 274. In this regard, for example,water or nutrients that are not absorbed by roots of plants 124 may fallunder the force of gravity into a sump 278. Pump 276 may be fluidlycoupled to sump 278 to recirculate the water through misting device 274.

Misting device 274 may be positioned at a bottom of root chamber 244 andmay be configured for charging root chamber 244 with mist for hydratingthe roots of plants 124. Alternatively, misting devices 274 may passthrough central hub 204 along the vertical direction V and periodicallyinclude a nozzle for spraying a mist or water into root chamber 244.Because various plants 124 may require different amounts of water fordesired growth, hydration system 270 may alternatively include aplurality of misting devices 274, e.g., all coupled to water supply 272,but being selectively operated to charge each of first root chamber 252,second root chamber 254, and third root chamber 256 independently ofeach other.

Notably, environmental control system 148 described above is generallyconfigured for regulating the temperature and humidity (e.g., or someother suitable water level quantity or measurement) within one or all ofthe plurality of chambers 210 and/or root chambers 252-256 independentlyof each other. In this manner, a versatile and desirable growingenvironment may be obtained for each and every chamber 210.

Referring now for example to FIGS. 4 and 5 , gardening appliance 100 mayfurther include a light assembly 280 which is generally configured forproviding light into selected grow chambers 210 to facilitatephotosynthesis and growth of plants 124. As shown, light assembly 280may include a plurality of light sources 282 stacked in an array, e.g.,extending along the vertical direction V. For example, light sources 282may be mounted directly to liner 120 within grow chamber 122, or mayalternatively be positioned behind liner 120 such that light isprojected through a transparent window or light pipe into grow chamber122. The position, configuration, and type of light sources 282described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the presentsubject matter in any manner.

Light sources 282 may be provided as any suitable number, type,position, and configuration of electrical light source(s), using anysuitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color. Forexample, according to the illustrated embodiment, light source 282includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may eachilluminate in a single color (e.g., white LEDs), or which may eachilluminate in multiple colors (e.g., multi-color or RGB LEDs) dependingon the control signal from controller 174. However, it should beappreciated that according to alternative embodiments, light sources 282may include any other suitable traditional light bulbs or sources, suchas halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, glow bars, afiber light source, etc.

Notably, light sources 282 may generate a considerable amount of heatduring operation. As a result, it may be desirable that gardeningappliance 100 include systems for cooling light assembly 280. Referringbriefly to FIGS. 9 through 14 , gardening appliance 100 may include alight cooling duct 284 and a cooling fan 286 for urging a flow ofcooling air through the light cooling duct 284 to cool light sources282. For example, each light assembly (e.g., in first chamber 212 andsecond chamber 214) may include a separate light cooling duct 284 withinwhich the control electronics or a portion of light sources 282 may bepositioned. In this manner, cooling fans 286 may be selectively operatedto urge a flow of cooling air from their respective grow chambers 212,214 over light sources 282 to maintain suitable operating temperature.

As explained above, light generated from light assembly 280 may resultin light pollution within a room where gardening appliance 100 islocated. Therefore, aspects of the present subject matter are directedto features for reducing light pollution, or to the blocking of lightfrom light sources 282 through front display opening 132. Specifically,as illustrated, light assembly 280 is positioned only within theenclosed back portion 130 of liner 120 such that only grow chambers 210which are in a sealed position are exposed to light from light sources282. Specifically, grow module 200 acts as a physical partition betweenlight assemblies 280 and front display opening 132. In this manner, asillustrated in FIG. 5 , no light may pass from first chamber 212 orsecond chamber 214 through grow module 200 and out front display opening132. As grow module 200 rotates, two of the three grow chambers 210 willreceive light from light assembly 280 at a time. According still otherembodiments, a single light assembly may be used to reduce costs,whereby only a single grow chamber 210 will be lit at a single time.

Gardening appliance 100 and grow module 200 have been described above toexplain an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However,it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be madewhile remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. Forexample, according to alternative embodiments, gardening appliance 100may be a simplified to a two-chamber embodiment with a square liner 120and a grow module 200 having two partitions 206 extending from oppositesides of central hub 202 to define a first grow chamber and a secondgrow chamber. According to such an embodiment, by rotating grow module200 by 180 degrees about central axis 206, the first chamber mayalternate between the sealed position (e.g., facing rear side 114 ofcabinet 102) and the display position (e.g., facing front side 112 ofcabinet 102). By contrast, the same rotation will move the secondchamber from the display position to the sealed position.

According to still other embodiments, gardening appliance 100 mayinclude a three chamber grow module 200 but may have a modified cabinet102 such that front display opening 132 is wider and two of the threegrow chambers 210 are displayed at a single time. Thus, first chamber212 may be in the sealed position, while second chamber 214 and thirdchamber 216 may be in the display positions. As grow module 200 isrotated counterclockwise, first chamber 212 is moved into the displayposition and third chamber 216 is moved into the sealed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 16 , a climate control system 300 willbe described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. In general, climate control system 300 may be used to regulatethe climate within gardening appliance 100. Although climate controlsystem 300 is described herein in the context of gardening appliance100, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject mattermay be used to provide climate regulation in any other gardeningappliance or in any other application where it is desirable toselectively regulate the temperature, humidity, gas concentrations,and/or other qualitative or quantitative characteristics or theenvironment within a plurality of grow chambers. FIGS. 9 through 16provide schematic illustrations of climate control system 300 tofacilitate discussion of aspects of the present subject matter. However,it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be madeto climate control system 300 while remaining within the scope of thepresent subject matter.

According to the illustrated embodiment, climate control system 300 mayinclude an evaporator plenum 302 that is in fluid communication withgrow chamber 122. Climate control system 300 may further include a fanassembly 304 that is operably coupled to evaporator plenum 302 forurging a flow of air (e.g., as identified by reference numeral 306 inFIGS. 15 and 16 ) through evaporator plenum 302. An evaporator 308 maybe positioned within evaporator plenum 302 for regulating thetemperature, dehumidifying, or otherwise selectively extracting water ormoisture from the flow of air 306. Notably, this extracted water may bereused by hydration system 270 in a more efficient manner, as describedin more detail below. The dehumidified air may then be recirculated intogrow chamber 122, e.g., when it is desirable or permissible to reducethe humidity within grow chamber 122. By contrast, if the humiditywithin grow chamber 122 is suitable or too low, evaporator 308 may bewarmed (or not cooled) and the humid air may simply be recirculated intogrow chamber 122.

According to the illustrated embodiment, evaporator plenum 302 andevaporator 308 are positioned above grow module 200 along the verticaldirection V. However, it should be appreciated that according toalternative embodiments, evaporator plenum 302 may be positioned at anyother suitable location. In addition, according to an exemplaryembodiment, evaporator 308 may be a part of sealed system 150 ofgardening appliance 100. In this regard, compressor 152, condenser 156,and/or expansion valve 158 may all be positioned within mechanicalcompartment 140 at a bottom of cabinet 102. However, a refrigerantconduit may run refrigerant through evaporator 308 (e.g., similar toevaporator 154 as described above). According to still otherembodiments, evaporator 308 may be part of a separate, dedicated sealedsystem or may be any other suitable device for removing moisture fromthe flow of air 306.

According to an exemplary embodiment, flow of air 306 may be circulatedfrom a single grow chamber (e.g., grow chamber 122). In this regard,evaporator plenum 302 may be fluidly coupled to only a single growchamber such that moisture is removed from the flow of air 306 beforerecirculating the flow of air 306 back into the same grow chamber.However, it should be appreciated that according to alternativeembodiments, climate control system 300 may be used to selectively andindependently regulate the climate within numerous grow chambers. Forexample, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 16 provides forregulation of the climate (e.g., temperature, humidity, gasconcentrations, etc.) within two grow chambers, specifically, firstchamber 212 and second chamber 214 as described above and illustrated inFIG. 8 . It should be appreciated that aspects of the present subjectmatter are not limited to climate regulation within a single chamber ortwo chambers but could instead include independent regulation of anysuitable number and configuration of chambers. For example, rotation ofgrow module 200 may selectively align any two of the three grow chambers212-216 with the duct system to facilitate independent climate controlwithin those specific chambers.

Notably, regardless of the number of chambers where the climate isregulated, climate control system 300 may further include features forreusing the extracted water. Specifically, according to the illustratedembodiment, climate control system 300 includes a water return path 310for directing the extracted water (e.g., as shown schematically byreference numeral 312 in FIGS. 15 and 16 ) back into hydration system270 such that it may be reused. For example, water return path 310 maysimply be a series of holes or apertures defined within a bottom panel314 of evaporator plenum 302. In this manner, extracted water 312 maydrip off the evaporator 308 and fall under the force of gravity throughor around grow module 200 where it may be collected in sump 278. Bycontrast, water return path 310 may include one or more troughs orchannels (not shown) that are defined in a bottom panel 314 forcollecting extracted water 312. These troughs may terminate in a conduit(e.g., such as conduit 316) which directs the flow of extracted water312 directly back into sump 278 or a storage reservoir of hydrationsystem 270.

In this manner, water extracted from the flow of air 306 may be used byhydration system 270 to further hydrate plants 124. This may reduce oreliminate the need for external water sources, municipal water supplies,etc. In addition, climate control system 300 provides for more efficientusage of water and/or nutrients. It should be appreciated that othermeans for collecting and/or using extracted water 312 are possible andwithin the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring still to FIGS. 9 through 16 , one embodiment of climatecontrol system 300 will be described that facilitates climate controlwithin two or more grow chambers. Specifically, according to theillustrated embodiment, gardening appliance 100 includes a firstrecirculation duct system 318 and a second recirculation duct system 319through which air may be selectively and independently circulated tofacilitate independent climate control of two chambers of gardeningappliance 100. For sake of explanation, first recirculation duct system318 and second recirculation duct system 319 are illustrated anddescribed as being fluidly coupled to first grow chamber 212 and secondgrow chamber 214. However, it should be appreciated that firstrecirculation duct system 318 and second recirculation duct system 319may be fixed within liner 120 such that rotating grow module advanceschambers 212-216 between a position in fluid communication with firstrecirculation duct system 318, a position in fluid communication withsecond recirculation duct system 319, and a third stagnant position(e.g., the display position).

Specifically, as illustrated, first recirculation duct system 318includes a first supply duct 320 that provides fluid communicationbetween evaporator plenum 302 and first grow chamber 212. In addition,second recirculation duct system 319 includes a second supply duct 322that provides fluid communication between evaporator plenum 302 andsecond grow chamber 214. Specifically, according to the illustratedembodiment, first supply duct 320 and second supply duct 322 extenddownward along rear side 114 of cabinet 102 and each include a pluralityof discharge apertures 324 that are spaced apart along the verticaldirection V for distributing the flow of air 306 into the respectivegrow chambers 212, 214.

As noted briefly above, first supply duct 320 and second supply duct 322are described herein as being fluidly coupled to first grow chamber 212and second grow chamber 214, respectively. However, it should beappreciated that discharge apertures 324 may be defined in liner 120 andmay be stationary relative to grow module 200. In this manner, as growmodule 200 rotates, different grow chambers 212-216 may be aligned withthe discharge apertures 324 and thus placed in fluid communication withfirst recirculation duct system 318 and second recirculation duct system319.

Similarly, first recirculation duct system 318 includes a first intakeduct 330 that provides fluid communication between the first growchamber 212 and evaporator plenum 302. Second recirculation duct system319 includes second intake duct 332 that provides fluid communicationbetween second grow chamber 214 and evaporator plenum 302. In thismanner, as fan assembly 304 urges a flow of air 306 through evaporatorplenum 302, the flow of air 306 passes into first chamber 212 and/orsecond chamber 214 before being drawn back into evaporator plenum 302through intake ducts 330, 332. Specifically, a first flow of intake air334 is drawn from first grow chamber 212 through first intake duct 330,while a second flow of intake air 336 is drawn from second grow chamber214 through the second intake duct 332.

Fan assembly 304 may generally be any suitable number, type, andposition of fans or air handlers suitable for urging a flow of air 306through evaporator plenum 302. For example, according to an exemplaryembodiment, the fan assembly 304 may include a single fan positioneddownstream of evaporator 308 of any suitable type or configuration, suchas an axial fan, centrifugal fan, tangential fan, etc. According to theillustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 304 includes a first fan 340operably coupled to first supply duct 320 and a second fan 342 operablycoupled to second supply duct 322. Notably, first fan 340 and second fan342 may be operated independently of each other to selectively urge theflow of air 306 into their respective grow chambers 212, 214. Moreover,according to an exemplary embodiment, first fan 340 and second fan 342may be configured for operating in reverse when it is desirable toprevent flow of air 306 from entering one of the first chamber 212and/or second chamber 214. In this regard, operating first fan 340 orsecond fan 342 in the reverse direction creates a back pressure thatprevents or restricts the flow of air 306 from entering first supplyduct 320 or second supply duct 322, respectively, such that the flow ofair 306 is instead urged through the opposite supply duct 320, 322.

In addition, climate control system 300 may include a system of dampersto facilitate improved distribution of flow of air 306 within gardeningappliance 100. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment,climate control system 300 includes a first damper system 346 and asecond damper system 348 for regulating the flow of air in firstrecirculation duct system 318 (e.g., including first grow chamber 212)and second recirculation duct system 319 (e.g., including second growchamber 214), respectively. According to exemplary embodiments, eachdamper within climate control system 300 may be an electrically actuateddamper, e.g., such as motorized dampers, louvres, single dampers, twindampers, etc. In addition, or alternatively, these dampers may includepassive dampers, such as a flapper damper, or may be outlets covered ina porous material like a felt, mesh, grill, or foam. Although exemplarydamper systems will be provided herein to facilitate discussion ofaspects of the present subject matter, it should be appreciated that thenumber, type, position, and configuration of dampers may vary whileremaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

According to the illustrated embodiment, first damper system 346includes a first intake damper 350 that is operably coupled to firstintake duct 330 for regulating first flow of intake air 334 intoevaporator plenum 302. In addition, second damper system 348 may includea second intake damper 352 that is operably coupled to second intakeduct 332 for regulating the second flow of intake air 336 intoevaporator plenum 302. In this manner, for example, controller 174 mayisolate one grow chamber, e.g., second grow chamber 214 from flow of air306 by closing second intake damper 352 and operating second fan 342 inthe reverse direction at a low speed. Simultaneously, controller 174 mayoperate first fan 340 and open the first intake damper 350 such thatmost or all of the flow of air 306 is circulated solely within firstchamber 212. It should be appreciated that such operation providesimproved versatility, moisture management, and climate control withinthe various chambers 212-216.

According to exemplary embodiments, climate control system 300 mayfurther be configured for drawing in ambient air. For example, accordingto the illustrated embodiment, climate control system 300 includes afirst ambient duct system 356 and a second ambient duct system 358 forregulating the flow of ambient air in first recirculation duct system318 (e.g., including first grow chamber 212) and second recirculationduct system 319 (e.g., including second grow chamber 214), respectively.Although exemplary ambient ducting systems will be provided herein tofacilitate discussion of aspects of the present subject matter, itshould be appreciated that the number and position of ducts may varywhile remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Ambient ducting systems 356, 358 may be desirable in a variety ofcircumstances. For example, if it is particularly humid outside, climatecontrol system 300 may draw in outdoor air to increase the amount ofwater or moisture within gardening appliance 100 that may be used byhydration system 270. In addition, as plants grow, they may give off,absorb, or otherwise affect the concentration or amount of particulargases within the grow chamber. For example, during photosynthesis,plants 124 remove carbon dioxide from the air within grow chamber 122.If left uncontrolled, these variations in gas concentrations can resultin undesirable growth conditions for the plants. Refreshing the airwithin grow chamber 120 may be achieved using ambient ducting systems356, 358.

Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, first ambientduct system 356 and second ambient duct system 358 may each include oneor more ambient air intakes 360, e.g., a duct that is fluidly coupled tothe outdoors or to the ambient environment 362 outside of cabinet 112for drawing in a flow of ambient air (e.g., as identified generally byreference numeral 364). Specifically, for example, ambient air intakes360 may be fluidly coupled to evaporator plenum 302 such that the flowof ambient air 364 may pass into evaporator plenum 302 where water 312may be extracted.

In addition, as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , first ambient ductsystem 356 and second ambient duct system 358 may each include one ormore ambient air discharge ducts 366, e.g., a duct that is fluidlycoupled to the outdoors or to the ambient environment 362 outside ofcabinet 112 for discharging or expelling the flow of ambient air 364.Specifically, for example, ambient air discharge ducts 366 may befluidly coupled to first recirculation duct system 318 and secondrecirculation duct system 319 such that the flow of ambient air 364 maybe discharged from first grow chamber 212 and second grow chamber 214instead of recirculating back into evaporator plenum 302.

According to the illustrated embodiment, first damper system 346 andsecond damper system 348 may each include an ambient intake damper 380that is operably coupled to the ambient air intake 360 for selectivelypermitting or preventing the flow of ambient air 364 from passing intoevaporator plenum 302. In addition, first damper system 346 and seconddamper system 348 may each include an ambient discharge damper 382 thatis operably coupled to the ambient air intake ambient air dischargeducts 366 for selectively permitting or preventing the flow of ambientair 364 from passing out of a respective grow chamber 212, 214 back intoambient environment 362.

In general, the first damper system 346 and the second damper system 348are movable between a “recirculation position” where air is recirculatedinternally within cabinet 102 and a “refresh position” where ambient airis flushed through climate control system 300 from ambient environment362. For example, when first damper system 346 is in the recirculationposition, first intake damper 350 may be open while all ambient airdampers (e.g., ambient intake damper 380 and ambient discharge damper382) are in the closed position. By contrast, when first damper system346 is in the refresh position, ambient intake damper 380 and ambientdischarge damper 382 may be open while first intake damper 350 isclosed. Moreover, it should be appreciated that first damper system 346and second damper system 348 may be operated independently based on theneeds of their respective grow chambers. In addition, it should beappreciated that all dampers within climate control system 300 may bepositioned at an intermediate position between closed and open toregulate the airflow throughout gardening appliance 100.

Notably, according to the illustrated embodiment, climate control system300 includes two ambient air intakes 360, two ambient intake dampers380, and two ambient discharge dampers 382. However, it should beappreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any othersuitable number type and position of ambient air intakes may be used. Inaddition, it should be appreciated that ambient air intakes 360 mayinclude any suitable filtering mechanisms or air treatment systems fortreating the flow of ambient air 364 before introducing it into climatecontrol system 300. In operation, fan assembly 304 may draw intoevaporator plenum 302 the first flow of intake air 334, the second flowof intake air 336, and/or the flow of ambient air 364 in any suitableproportions.

According to the illustrated embodiment, climate control system 300includes a single evaporator 308 that is part of a single sealed system150 of gardening appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated thataccording to alternative embodiments, climate control system 300 mayhave multiple evaporators fluidly coupled to one or more sealed systemsfor independently conditioning a different portion of the flow of air306. For example, as best shown in FIG. 16 , a divider wall 390 ispositioned within evaporator plenum 302 to define a first evaporatorchamber 392 and a second evaporator chamber 394. In general, firstevaporator chamber 392 is in fluid communication with the firstrecirculation duct system 318 and second evaporator chamber 394 is influid communication with the second recirculation duct system 319. Inthis manner, the flow of air 306 may be independently regulated forfirst grow chamber 212 and second grow chamber 214.

According to the illustrated embodiment, evaporator 308 conditions theflow of air in both first evaporator chamber 392 and second evaporatorchamber 394. In this regard, for example, evaporator 308 may passthrough divider wall 390, e.g., such that both first evaporator chamber392 and second evaporator chamber 394 are in thermal communication withthe coils of evaporator 308, but these chambers are otherwise fluidlyisolated from each other. Notably, this configuration may provideimproved versatility in climate regulation between first grow chamber212 and second grow chamber 214. According to still other embodiments, aseparate evaporator (fluidly coupled to a single sealed system or todedicated sealed systems) can be positioned within each of firstevaporator chamber 392 and second evaporator chamber 394. Otherevaporator and evaporator plenum configurations are possible and withinthe scope of the present subject matter.

Notably, the climate control systems described above provide forimproved versatility in controlling the climate within one or more growchambers of a gardening appliance. For example, the climate controlsystem may include dampers on a low-pressure side of a fan to controlthe flow intake to switch between ambient air and recirculated air. Theclimate control system may also be equipped with airflow outlet(s) tothe ambient at the high-pressure side of the fan with or withoutdamper(s). Under normal operation, the climate control system mayoperate in an internal recirculation mode to primarily controltemperature and humidity. However, when the levels of carbon dioxideinside the chambers is not sufficient, the climate control system mayswitch to external intake mode bring in fresh ambient air. When theintake and outlet are open to the ambient, there may be little or norecirculation of air and the air within the system may be fully flushedwith fresh air from the ambient. Once an adequate amount of flushing isreached, the dampers may again switch to internal flow and the operationmay repeats to achieve optimal levels of carbon dioxide whilemaintaining target temperature and humidity for each chamber. It is alsopossible to simultaneously have both the intake dampers open such thatthere is partial air intake and partial recirculation of air. Theairflow to different chambers could be independently controlled toachieve same or different levels of climate conditions as desired.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gardening appliance, comprising: a linerpositioned within a cabinet; a grow module rotatably mounted within theliner, the grow module at least partially defining a first grow chamberand a second grow chamber; and a climate control system comprising: anevaporator plenum housing an evaporator; a fan assembly operably coupledto the evaporator plenum for urging a flow of air through the evaporatorplenum; a first recirculation duct system fluidly coupling theevaporator plenum and the first grow chamber; a second recirculationduct system fluidly coupling the evaporator plenum and the second growchamber; a first ambient duct system fluidly coupling the first growchamber to an ambient environment; a second ambient duct system fluidlycoupling the second grow chamber to the ambient environment; a firstdamper system operably coupled to the first recirculation duct systemand the first ambient duct system, the first damper system being movablebetween a recirculation position where the first ambient duct system isin a closed position and a refresh position where the firstrecirculation duct system is in a closed position; and a second dampersystem operably coupled to the second recirculation duct system and thesecond ambient duct system, the second damper system being movablebetween a recirculation position where the second ambient duct system isin a closed position and a refresh position where the secondrecirculation duct system is in a closed position.
 2. The gardeningappliance of claim 1, wherein the evaporator plenum defines a firstevaporator chamber in fluid communication with the first recirculationduct system and a second evaporator chamber in fluid communication withthe second recirculation duct system.
 3. The gardening appliance ofclaim 2, further comprising: a divider wall passing through theevaporator plenum to define the first evaporator chamber and the secondevaporator chamber.
 4. The gardening appliance of claim 3, wherein theevaporator passes through the divider wall into each of the firstevaporator chamber and the second evaporator chamber.
 5. The gardeningappliance of claim 3, wherein the evaporator is a first evaporatorpositioned within the first evaporator chamber, the climate controlsystem further comprising a second evaporator positioned within thesecond evaporator chamber.
 6. The gardening appliance of claim 1,wherein the fan assembly comprises: a first fan fluidly coupling theevaporator plenum and the first recirculation duct system; and a secondfan fluidly coupling the evaporator plenum and the second recirculationduct system.
 7. The gardening appliance of claim 1, wherein the firstrecirculation duct system comprises a first chamber supply duct and afirst chamber return duct, and wherein the second recirculation ductsystem comprises a second chamber supply duct and a second chamberreturn duct.
 8. The gardening appliance of claim 7, wherein the firstdamper system comprises a first intake damper operably coupled to thefirst chamber return duct for regulating a first flow of intake air fromthe first grow chamber, and wherein the second damper system comprises asecond intake damper operably coupled to the second chamber return ductfor regulating a second flow of intake air from the second grow chamber.9. The gardening appliance of claim 1, wherein the first ambient ductsystem comprises a first ambient intake duct and a first ambientdischarge duct, and wherein the second ambient duct system comprises asecond ambient intake duct and a second ambient discharge duct.
 10. Thegardening appliance of claim 9, wherein the first damper systemcomprises a first ambient damper operably coupled to the first ambientintake duct for selectively permitting a first flow of ambient air topass into the evaporator plenum, and wherein the second damper systemcomprises a second ambient damper operably coupled to the second ambientintake duct for selectively permitting a second flow of ambient air topass into the evaporator plenum.
 11. The gardening appliance of claim 1,wherein the grow module at least partially defines a third grow chamber,and wherein the first recirculation duct system, the secondrecirculation duct system, the first ambient duct system, the secondambient duct system, the first damper system, and the second dampersystem are positioned at fixed locations within the cabinet for beingselectively aligned with two chambers of the first grow chamber, thesecond grow chamber, and the third grow chamber.
 12. The gardeningappliance of claim 1, wherein the evaporator plenum is defined above thegrow module along a vertical direction.
 13. The gardening appliance ofclaim 1, wherein the evaporator is operably coupled to a sealed system,the sealed system comprising a condenser, an expansion device, and acompressor.
 14. A climate control system for a gardening appliance, thegardening appliance comprising a liner positioned within a cabinet and agrow module rotatably mounted within the liner, the grow module at leastpartially defining a first grow chamber and a second grow chamber, theclimate control system comprising: an evaporator plenum housing anevaporator; a fan assembly operably coupled to the evaporator plenum forurging a flow of air through the evaporator plenum; a firstrecirculation duct system fluidly coupling the evaporator plenum and thefirst grow chamber; a second recirculation duct system fluidly couplingthe evaporator plenum and the second grow chamber; a first ambient ductsystem fluidly coupling the first grow chamber to an ambientenvironment; a second ambient duct system fluidly coupling the secondgrow chamber to the ambient environment; a first damper system operablycoupled to the first recirculation duct system and the first ambientduct system, the first damper system being movable between arecirculation position where the first ambient duct system is in aclosed position and a refresh position where the first recirculationduct system is in a closed position; and a second damper system operablycoupled to the second recirculation duct system and the second ambientduct system, the second damper system being movable between arecirculation position where the second ambient duct system is in aclosed position and a refresh position where the second recirculationduct system is in a closed position.
 15. The climate control system 14,wherein the evaporator plenum defines a first evaporator chamber influid communication with the first recirculation duct system and asecond evaporator chamber in fluid communication with the secondrecirculation duct system.
 16. The climate control system 15, whereinthe evaporator is a first evaporator positioned within the firstevaporator chamber, the climate control system further comprising asecond evaporator positioned within the second evaporator chamber. 17.The climate control system 14, wherein the fan assembly comprises: afirst fan fluidly coupling the evaporator plenum and the firstrecirculation duct system; and a second fan fluidly coupling theevaporator plenum and the second recirculation duct system.
 18. Theclimate control system 14, wherein the first recirculation duct systemcomprises a first chamber supply duct and a first chamber return duct,and wherein the second recirculation duct system comprises a secondchamber supply duct and a second chamber return duct, and wherein thefirst damper system comprises a first intake damper operably coupled tothe first chamber return duct for regulating a first flow of intake airfrom the first grow chamber, and wherein the second damper systemcomprises a second intake damper operably coupled to the second chamberreturn duct for regulating a second flow of intake air from the secondgrow chamber.
 19. The climate control system 14, wherein the firstambient duct system comprises a first ambient intake duct and a firstambient discharge duct, and wherein the second ambient duct systemcomprises a second ambient intake duct and a second ambient dischargeduct.
 20. The climate control system 14, wherein the grow module atleast partially defines a third grow chamber, and wherein the firstrecirculation duct system, the second recirculation duct system, thefirst ambient duct system, the second ambient duct system, the firstdamper system, and the second damper system are positioned at fixedlocations within the cabinet for being selectively aligned with twochambers of the first grow chamber, the second grow chamber, and thethird grow chamber.